Monday, December 17, 2007

Saturday my son and I are heading into to town to do some Christmas shopping (okay we were just starting!). We were smart and left the hubby and the youngest at home. They hold us back.

On the way my son and I are talking about what we are going to buy for whoever. Some how the conversation turns to peaking for presents. Now as a kid I was horrible about it. Ask my mother and she will tell you. She ended up hiding presents in the trunk of her car. That was back before they had the trunk latches by the front seat. That took all the fun out of it.

Any way, I am telling the boy that if he sneaks a peak at his presents that it takes all the excitement on Christmas morning. Without skipping a beat he says, "If it isn't exciting, then I will forget anyway."

Thursday, December 6, 2007

This time of the year I am usually mental or on my way. You have all that shopping, wrapping, decorating, cooking and putting up with that family member that everyone hates. Hey, you know you have one of those too!

Don't forget that stack of Christmas cards that needs to be addressed and stamped. I just spent most of the day doing mine and marking off each person off my list. I either need less friends next year or start buying in bulk at Sams Club.

It is the time of the year for reflection and being happy for what you have. I have come up with a few and wanted to share them.

First I am thankful for the 12 years or so we had with our dog, Jake. We lost him on the very first day of this new year. I am dreading that day coming up because I know what we all be thinking of.

Second, I am glad that I knew that wonderful woman known as my grandma. She was loving and courageous. She gave as good as she got. I knew this woman for 34 years and I still don't think that was long enough. So now I work hard with PanCan.org in her memory.

Third, a family member of mine (I wont say who to protect their privacy) had been diagnosed earlier this year with a awful disease. She then became pregnant a few months later. I happy to report that the baby keeps coming up negative. I hope for a happy ending because our family needs one now more then ever.

Fourth, my husbands mother had a stroke a while back. She is in her 2nd nursing home for therapy. She was finally able to lock and unlock her knees yesterday. Today she was supposed to take her first steps. She has worked very hard the last few weeks and it is good to hear that she is in better spirits.

Last, I am thankful for the roof over my families head, the food on my table and the clothes on my back. When ever it gets to that point where I want to give up (which was this year!) I think about the people who have it worse then I do and I can go on.

So this year make that list of things that you are thankful for and it should make you feel better too.

Monday, December 3, 2007

A few days ago my son decided to write a letter to Santa. My husband sat down with him and helped. Every now and then I could hear my son ask how to spell this or that. I didn't pay much attention.

The following morning he puts the letter in a envelope and puts it in our mail box out front and went to school. I spent the day like I normally do, catching up on laundry or whatever else needs my attention.

Later that day he comes home from school and we are having a snack in the kitchen. We talked about his letter and how I wished I could still write Santa a letter and tell him what I wanted. My son, bless his heart, tells me, "I asked for a present for you."

"You did?" I ask confused. "What did you ask for?" In my mind I am thinking it's a video game system or something.

"I asked for a hot tub." he answers straight faced.

Now I don't remember ever asking for one. Now if Santa can get it in the sleigh, then I will take it. Hey, I am just saying.